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Jan. 25, 1938. F. E. TALTY FLUOROSCOPIC DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet l Original Filed Nov. l'T, 193.1

. I gyn/vanto@ l I l* Jan. 25, 193s. F, E, TMW' Re. 20,641

FLUOROSCOPIC DEVI CE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Nov. 17, 1931 Resvsued Jan. 25, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FL'OROSCOPICI DEVICE Original No. 1,967,980, dated July 24, 1934, Serial No. 575,608, November 17, 1931.

Application for reissue September 21, 1934, Serial No.

7 Claims.

This invention relates in general to fluoroscopic devices and more particularly to a device of this character adapted to be used in a Well lighted room,

Fluoroscopic devices are used extensively by the medical profession to determine visually without the use of an X-ray film, the condition of a certain part oi a persons body, Prior to this time, however, it has been necessary to use the device in Hi an absolutely dark room to permit the operator to see the image reproduced on the fluorescent screen.

The operation of the device in a dark room obviously has many disadvantages. It is dangerous 10 to the operator in that, due to the absolute darkness, the possibility of accidental contact with the high tension Wires associated with the device is great. This is especially true in view of the necessity of the operator moving around. Chilgli dren and persons of nervous nature experience considerable fear in an absolutely dark room, especially when there for medical treatment. Obviously, such fear should be eliminated. In addition, it is necessary to administer medication for particular types of iiuoroscopical Work, and in a dark room this is quite difcult and at times almost unsurmountable.

An object of my invention is to overcome the above and otherl disadvantages of the prior art.

:io Another object of my invention is to provide a iluoroscopical device adapted to be used in a Well lighted room.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a uoroscopical device perfectly screened :s: from the operator.

A further object of my invention is to provide a fluoroscopcal device having a separate dark chamber.

A still further object of my invention is to pro- 1 o vide means Within the dark chamber for reproducing an image.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a iiuoroscopical device adapted to be moved over a certain area.

l5 Another object of my invention is to provide a fluoroscopical device having means to protect the operator from X-rays.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a fluoroscopical device in which the X-ray 5U tube is above the dark chamber.

Yet a further object of my invention is to provide a uoroscopical device in which the X-ray device moves in unison with the dark chamber.

With these and other objects in View which may 55 be incident to my improvements, the invention (Cl. Z50-34) consists in the parts and combinations to be hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements comprising my invention may be varied in ccnstruction, proportions and arrangement Without 5 departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. v

This invention broadly comprehends providing a fluoros-copical device adapted to be used in a Well lighted room. The X-ray apparatus is posin tioned above the dark chamber and both are adapted to move together so as to subject any part of a patient lying on the table to the action ol the fiuoroscopical device. Associated with one end of the dark chamber is a Window permitting l5 the operator to view the image formed on a iluorescent screen in the top of the dark chamber by means of a mirror positioned Within the dark chamber. A panel extends above the dark chamber and has a means to view a. patient on the table and additional means for allowing the operator to manipulate the X-ray proof curtains for regulating the area to be covered by the X-rays. Other features of the invention will hereinafter appear.

In order to make my invention more clearly understood, I have shown, in the accompanying drawings, means for carrying the same into practical effect Without limiting the improvements in their useful applications to the particular constructions which, for the purpose of explanation, have been made the subject of illustration.

Figure l is a View showing the back of the fluoroscopical device.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the device. 5

Figure 3 is a View taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective View of the fluorescent screen employed by this invention.

Figure 5 is a side View of the dark chamber 40 showing the panel in a dropped position.

Figure 6 is a sectional View of the dark charnber showing a modified form of means for viewing the image.

Figure 7 is a sectional View of a slightly modi- 45 fied form of dark Chamber adapted to receive a lm for producing a permanent record.

Figure 8 is a plan View of a form of shutter lor regulating the area to be affected by X-rays.

Figure 9 is a view taken along line 9*!) of Fig- 50 ure 8.

Referring to the drawings, wherein similar parts are represented by like symbols throughout and more particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a plurality of uprights i provided with members 2 having flattened heads suitably secured to the uprlghts. A top 3` is adapted to rest upon and be secured to the flattened heads of the members il by any suitable means. The top 3 may be of any suitable material, such as wood or metal, and may be provided with cushions, not shown, to present a softer surface. As is clearly shown, the uprights I and top 3 form a conventional table upon which a patient is placed while undergoing treatment. The table so formed should be of sucient length to receive the entire body of a patient, so that it will not be necessary to change the position of the body7 to subject any part thereof to the action of the device. A rod It extending parallel to each of the sides of the top 3 is suitably secured by means of joints 5 to the uprights i. Transverse rods 6 are provided to render additional support to the table and are joined to each o1 the uprights l by the joints 5.

While I have shown and described a particular type of table for use with my iiuoroscopical device, it is to be clearly understood that other forms of tables permitting both longitudinal and transverse movement of the apparatus to be hereinafter described, may be used.

A dark chamber 'l is adapted to travel on the rods il, which act as tracks therefor, by means Y of a plurality of rollers 8 secured to the chamber therebetween.

T by means of supports 9. As is clearly shown, the supports 9 form bearing members for the rollers. if desired, additional rollers or any other suitable means may be provided in order to permit transverse movement of the dark chamber 1. The additional rollers would coact with transverse tracks or a solid member between the rods 4 in order to be easily moved. The chamber l is constructed of any suitable material, and in such a manner as to exclude light from the interior thereof. A lining I0, of lead or other X-ray proof material, is placed withinthe dark chamber 'l and covers the sides and bottom thereof with the eX- ception of a space into which is placed an X-ray proof window I I. The X-ray proof 'window Ii may be of lead glass or any other suitable material permitting vision therethrough, but protection from X-rays. The purpose of the window I I will hereinafter appear.

Suitably positioned within the dark chamber 'i is a reecting mirror I2 maintained in a sloping position by means of brackets I3 and i3' secured to the bottom and top of the dark chamber l'. The top of the dark chamber 1 is adapted to receive a fluorescent screen indicated generally by the numeral I4. The fluorescent screen comprises two layers of plain glass I5 having placed therebetween a suitable fluorescent material l5. This material may be of the type that is readily affected by X-rays, and I have found that platinum barium cyanide, which when aiected by X-rays becomes green, is quite satisfactory. It is to be clearly understood, however, that other fluorescent material, such as calcium tungstate, which becomes purple when affected, might also be used.

The iiuorescent screen is shown as having two layers of plain glass with the fluorescent material Any suitable type of fluorescent screen may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

suitably attached to the dark chamber l' is bracket i1 formed with a cylindrical seat meinber I8. The cylindrical member iti is adapted to receive an upright rod i9 having a projection which engages a slot 2l! formed in the cylindrical seat I8. Twisting of the rod it maintains it in clearly shown in Figure 2, extend transversely of I the table top 3. Adapted to slide on the rods if! is a carriage 25 carrying an X-ray bulb 25 enclosed by a suitable casing 2l. The casing 2l is opensc that X-rays emanating from vthe bulb nia-y readily pass to the subject being treated. As is shown in Figure 2, the Y -ray bulb is of conventional structure and comprises a cathode 28 and an anode 29 within the bulb it?. The leads connecting the bulb to the source of high voltage may be connected to the ends of the bulb El in any well-known manner.

As will be clearly seen from the above, the X-ray apparatus and the dark chamber are adapted to travel in unison by means of the connection between the two. The X-ray carriage may also be moved transversely of the table on the rods to any desired position.

rThe end of the dark chamber 'l' having the X- ray proof window I I therein extends beyond each side thereof, as indicated by 3i) in Figure 1 A panel 3l is hinged to this end of the dark chamber by means of hinges There is also provided a locking arrangement for maintaining the panel 3| in an upright position. As shown, an arm 33 having a notch te .is pivotally secured to the extended end of the dark chamber. When the panel is in an upright position, the arm 33 is adapted to engage a knob by means of the notch 34%, thereby maintaining the panel 3l in an upright position.

As is clearly shown in Figure 3, the panel 3l is covered on its side adjacent the X-ray apparatus by any suitable X-ray proof material Titi, as lead, The X-ray proof material covering one side of the panel 3i protects the operator of the apparatus from'the effects of the X-rays.

Positioned within the panel 3l is an X-ray proof window el similar to the window II in tiled-ark chamber. This window permits the operator to clearly View the X-ray apparatus to determine Whether it is functioning properly and to also View the patient who is on the table undergoing treatment. E'venly spaced from the center of the panel 3l and carried thereby are supports 38. The supports, as is shown in Figure l, form a space therebetween sufficiently wide for the lower part of the carriage carrying the X-ray bulbi and its associated conventional structure to freely move transversely of the table top. The supports 38 may also be covered with X-ray proof material, as at times it may be necessary to raise the X-ray structure above the supports, thereby subjecting them to the produced rays.

The supports may be suitably hinged to the panel SI by means of hinges 3S. A chain 40, attached to each support 38, is adapted to be secured to each side of the panel 3I by means of a hook il suitably att-ached thereto. As shown, when the chain engages the hook fil, the arms 3S are maintained in a horizontal position. Secured to each arm 38 on the top thereof is a roller l2 adapted to receive a curtain 43. The curtain is is also X-ray proof for reasons that will presently appear.

An opening M below each support 38 is provided n the panel 3I. The openings 44 are of suillcient size to permit a hand to pass through each in order 'to change the position of the curtains when in an extended position, for reasons hereinafter appearing.

The operation of the device will now be readily understood. With a. patient on the top S of the table, the device is moved so that the X-ray bulb is directly above that part of the patients of the fluoroscopical device. 'I'he operator will then adjust the curtains 43, which are in an extended position by means of his hands extending through the openings, so as to regulate the area of the patients body that it is desired to subject to the X-rays. The device can then be energized. Immediately after the X-rays have started emanating from the bulb, there is produced on the iluorescent screen I4 an image which is reflected by the mirror I2 within the dark chamber. This image may be readily viewed by the operator by merely looking through the X-ray proof window l! in the dark chamber, or if desired may be viewed by a second person entirely.

When the apparatus is not in use, the panel 3| may be removed from its extended position and occupy a position shown in Figure 5. This is accomplished by unhooking the chain 40, which allows the supports 38 to drop downwardly. The arm 33 may then be disengaged from the knob 35, thereby permitting the entire panel to be folded baclwar'dly to the position shown.

If it is desired to remove the dark chamber and its associated parts from the table for any reason, the rod l5 can be taken from its cylindrical seat :and the entire structure raised from the tracks. By this arrangement, it is possible to use the dark chamber and its associated structure with any table or X-ray apparatus. The structure is therefore, adapted to be used with mostly any X-ray installation without the heretofore necessity of placing the room in total darkness.

In Figure 6 there is shown a modied form of means to permit vision of the image reflected on the mirror l2. As illustrated, a hood l5 extends from the end of the dark chamber and is provided with an eye rest 4B. The hood 45 acts as a shield to the light and further allows the operator to more easily view the image.

As in the structure above described, there is also provided an X-ray proof window 4'! which is surrounded by the end o the hood attached to the dark chamber' which prevents the X-rays from affecting the eyes or" the operator. With this type of viewing means, the mirror I2 need not be slanted to the extent shown in Figure 3, but may have more of a horizontal position, as shown. Themirror i2 in this modiiication is suitably supported by means of supports 43 and i9 secured to the bottom of the dark chamber.

Figure '7 shows a modiiied form oi dark chamber which is adapted to receive a photographic iilm within a space 59 provided lbetween the top of the dark chamber and the fluorescent screen I4. By this arrangement, it is possible not only to obtain a temporary visual image, but also a permanent record of the image, if such is desired.

While I have shown and described the mirror within the dark chamber as being in certain positions, it is to be clearly understood that this invention is not limited to any specific positioning thereof. Furthermore, the means shown for viewing the image are only illustrative and other means might be used. For example, a periscope arrangement may be provided and extended to a point where the operator might View the image without changing his position.

body which it is desired to subject to the action l Figure 8 shows a somewhat modified form of shutter arrangement for regulating the area to be affected by the X-rays. As shown, the shutter arrangement comprises a board 5I suitably attached to the middle of the insulated panel 3l above the table top 3. Positioned on the board 5l are end channel pieces 52 adapted to receive X-ray proof members 53 and 54 forming the shutter. The member 54 is provided with a cut-out portion 55 which when exposed to the X-rays, will permit them to pass unobstructed. A rod 56 is attached to the member 53 and passes through a bushing 51 in the panel 3l. A similar rod 5B extending through a bushing 59 is connected to the member 54.

The operation of this modification will be apparent. When it is desired to change the size of the opening, the rods 56 and 53 are moved, thereby changing the position of the members 53 and 54. If desired, only one of the members forming the shutter may be moved, thereby exposing a portion of the opening 55.

Ji/'hen using the shutter arrangement just described, the X-ray proof curtains A3 are dispensed with and the operator may use insulated gloves when it is necessary to place his hands in the area affected by the X-rays.

The reason for protecting the hands of the 0perator from the X-rays is that continuous exposure to the X-rays produces burns and skin infections which may prove quite dangerous. While this is not the case when any part of a persons body is subjected to the X-rays for a comparatively short period, yet continuous exposure, as in the case of an operator using the device daily, may prove dangerous.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that I have provided a fluoroscopical device adapted to be used in a well lighted room. There is also provided by this invention a device of this character which may be moved to any desired position so as to subject any part of a persons body to its action.

There is further provided by this invention a fluoroscopical device which completely protects the operator from any adverse effects produced by the continuous subjecting of his han-ds or other parts of the body to the X-rays.

The fluoroscopical device has been shown and described as being in. a horizontal position. It is to be clearly understood that it might also be used in an upright or an angular position. Suitable locking means could be provided to maintain the dark chamber and associated structure in any position. Also, it is Within thel scope of my invention to place the X-ray bulb beneath the table with the dark chamber above the table.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction herein set forth, by way of illustration, as it is apparent that many changes and variations may be made therein, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit oi the invention, or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A iiuoroscopical -device comprising a dark chamber, means to produce X-rays spaced from said dark chamber, a panel extending from said dark chamber, means associated with said panel to regulate the area covered by said rays, means affected by the X-rays to produce an image, and means for the reflection and observation of such image.

2. A fluoroscopical device comprising a dark chamber, means to produce X-rays spaced from said dark chamber, a panel extending from said dark chamber, arms extending from said panel, lead curtains'mounted on the arms to regulate the area covered by said rays, means affected by the X-rays to produce an image, and means permitting reflection and vision of such image.

3. In a uoroscopical device comprising a dark chamber, means to produce X-rays spaced from said dark chamber, a panel extending from said dark chamber, arms extending` from said panel, lead curtains mounted on rollers fixed on the arms to regulate the area covered by said rays, means affected by the X-rays to produce an image and means Within said dark chamber to reect and observe the image.

4. In a fluoroscopical device comprising a dark chamber, means toproduce X-rays spaced from said dark chamber, a panel extending from said clark chamber, means associated With said panel to regulate the area covered by said rays, an X- ray proof Window in said panel, means affected by X-rays to producean image, and means to reflect and observe the image.

5. In a Iluoroscopical device comprising a dark chamber, means to produce X-rays spaced from said dark chamber, a panel extending from said dark chamber, means associated with said panel to regulate the area covered by said rays, an X ray proof window in said panel, openings in said panel to permit movement of the regulating means with protection from X-rays, and means' aiTected by said X-rays to produce, reflect and observe an image.

6. In a fiuoroscopical device comprising a dark chamber, means to produce X-rays positioned above said dark chamber, a panel extending from said dark chamber, means associated with said 4panel to regulate the area. covered by said rays,

an X-ray proof Window in said panel, openings in said panel to permit movement of the regulating means, means affected by said X-rays tov produce an image, means Within the dark chamber to reflect said image, and means to permit vision of such reected image.

7. In combination with a surgical table an X- ray apparatus, comprising an X-ray tube above the table, a fluorescent screen. below the table upon which the shadow is to be cast by an object placed between said tube and said screen, a dark chamber provided with an entrance opening directed toward said screen and provided also with a viewing opening, an image reflecting surface Within said chamber to reflect the shadow image toward said viewing opening, and X-ray proof means to protect a person looking into said viewing opening, said means comprising an X-ray proof shield between said tube and one face of said screen, and an X-ray proof shield beyond the opposite face of said screen toward said reflecting surface.

FRANCIS E. TAL'I'Y. 

